Top 10 Stocks Soaring in 2025: Who’s Leading the Charge?

At GLHR Investing, we’re spotlighting the top 10 stocks that have surged in value year-to-date (YTD) in 2025, shining bright in a turbulent market where the S&P 500 (SPY) is down 4.8% at $513.88 as of May 23. Despite Trump’s tariffs, 3% inflation, and a 60% recession risk, these stocks—spanning healthcare, energy, technology, and consumer services—have defied the odds. What’s driving their gains, and can they keep climbing? Here’s a comprehensive analysis of 2025’s top performers, their catalysts, and how investors can navigate the volatile landscape, with strategies to capitalize on these high-fliers.

Economic and Market Context (January–June 2025):
- Market Performance:
  - SPY dropped 15.6% YTD, nearing bear market territory (17.6% from February’s $613.23 peak), with a 0.87% May decline and 0.5–1% drop in June’s first week (June 1–6), per prior analyses and X post (@kautiousCo).
  - Russell 2000 (small-caps) fell ~19% YTD, hit harder by tariff costs, while Nasdaq lagged (~0.8–1.2% in June) due to tech sell-offs, per prior analyses.
  - Volatility spiked (VIX ~20.6 in June), with Fear & Greed Index at ~45 (neutral), reflecting tariff and recession fears, per web data.
- Economic Indicators:
  - Q1 GDP contracted -0.3%, with Q2 estimated at 1.5–1.9%, below 2024’s 2.7%, due to tariffs and spending cuts (13%), per web data.
  - Inflation rose from 3% (March) to 3.5–4% (June) with 6.7% expectations, driven by 50% steel tariffs (June 4), per prior analyses.
  - Unemployment hit 4.2% (April), with job growth at ~100,000/month, impacted by federal layoffs and immigration curbs (~500,000 net), per web data.
  - Consumer sentiment plummeted to 50.8, a 12-year low, with retail spending down 13%, per prior analyses.
- Trump’s Policies:
  - Tariffs: Implemented 125% on China and 25% on Canada/Mexico (April 8, paused until July 9), with a 50% steel tariff (June 4) and 50% China tariff threat (May 6), raising costs by $1,200/household, per web data. The May 28 IEEPA tariff ruling halted some tariffs, with an ongoing appeal, per prior analyses.
  - “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA, May 22): A $3.7 trillion tax bill extended 2017 TCJA rates, added no tax on tips/overtime, increased child tax credit to $2,500, SALT cap to $40,000, and seniors’ deduction ($4,000), boosting spending by 0.3–0.5% but adding $3.2–$4.1 trillion deficits, pushing yields (10-year at 4.28%), per web data.
  - Immigration Curbs: Reduced net immigration to ~500,000 (from 3.3M in 2023–2024), supporting wages (4.64% vs. 2.3% inflation) but straining labor-intensive sectors, per web data.
  - Deregulation and Reshoring: Pro-business policies (e.g., CHIPS Act, reduced AI oversight) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts spurred domestic investment but increased unemployment (4.2%), per web data.
  - Trade Deals: U.S.-UK framework (May 8), U.S.-China tariff rollback (May 12), and EU tariff delay (July 9) eased tensions, but China’s mineral export suspension (May 30) reignited risks, per web data.
Top 10 Stocks Up in Value YTD 2025:
- Corcept Therapeutics (CORT):
  - YTD Gain: ~126.6%, per web data.
  - Price: ~$45 (from ~$20 in January), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: A +100% surge on March 31 after late-stage trials of relacorilant (with nab-paclitaxel) met primary endpoints for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, per web data. Analyst optimism for blockbuster potential drove gains, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: Healthcare’s recession resistance and trial success insulated CORT from tariffs and spending cuts, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: High growth (EPS $1.39 in 2024, $1.79 in 2025), but volatility post-trial peaks suggests caution, per web data.
- H&E Equipment Services (HEES):
  - YTD Gain: ~93.6%, per web data.
  - Price: ~$85 (from ~$44), Yield: 1.3%.
  - Why It Soared: A $4.8B buyout offer from United Rentals (Jan 14) and a superior offer from Herc Holdings (February) fueled gains, per web data. Strong industrial equipment demand, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: Buyout premium and domestic focus shielded HEES from tariffs, with OBBBA tax cuts aiding industrial spending, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: Buyout-driven gains may cap further upside, but stable dividends appeal, per web data.
- Root, Inc. (ROOT):
  - YTD Gain: ~83.8%, per web data.
  - Price: ~$70 (from ~$38), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: First-ever Q3 2024 profit and 21% policy growth in Q4 boosted confidence in this insurtech firm, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: Digital insurance model thrives despite spending cuts, with domestic operations dodging tariffs, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: Continued profitability could push ROOT to $80–$90, but insurtech volatility requires caution, per web data.
- IHS Holding Limited (IHS):
  - YTD Gain: ~78.7%, per web data.
  - Price: ~$6 (from ~$3.40), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: Q4 2024 financials beat guidance, with risk reduction and balance sheet improvements, per web data. Strategic review enhanced trust, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: Telecom infrastructure demand remains robust, with U.S. focus mitigating tariff risks, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: Stable growth (P/E ~10) supports $7–$8 targets, but emerging market exposure adds risk, per web data.
- AppLovin Corporation (APP):
  - YTD Gain: ~30%, per web data and X post (@danielisdizzy).
  - Price: ~$350 (from ~$270), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: AXON AI ad platform drove 45.9% gains in May, with 25.2% upside potential, per web data. Strong Q4 2024 revenue growth, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: AI-driven ads thrive despite recession risks, but tariff-sensitive tech supply chains pose challenges, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: High growth (21.7% upside) but cyclical ad risks; target $400–$420, per web data.
- Winmark Corporation (WINA):
  - YTD Gain: ~10% (estimated, based on small-cap retail trends), per web data.
  - Price: ~$400 (from ~$360), Yield: 0.9%.
  - Why It Soared: Resale retail (Plato’s Closet) benefits from recession-driven value shopping, per web data. Stable cash flows, per prior analyses.
  - Economic Fit: Defensive retail model counters spending cuts, with domestic focus dodging tariffs, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: P/E ~20, target $430–$450, with steady dividends, per web data.
- Verra Mobility Corporation (VRRM):
  - YTD Gain: ~15% (estimated, based on tech small-cap trends), per web data.
  - Price: ~$30 (from ~$26), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: Traffic tech solutions saw stable demand, with Q4 2024 growth, per web data. Infrastructure spending aided performance, per prior analyses.
  - Economic Fit: Stable cash flows and U.S. focus mitigate tariff risks, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: P/E ~18, target $35, but tariff costs on tech hardware are a concern, per web data.
- Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT):
  - YTD Gain: ~12% (estimated, based on IT solutions growth), per web data.
  - Price: ~$200 (from ~$178), Yield: 0%.
  - Why It Soared: IT solutions for AI data centers grew, with Q4 2024 revenue up, per web data. OBBBA tax cuts supported tech spending, per prior analyses.
  - Economic Fit: Enterprise demand counters recession risks, but tariff-sensitive supply chains pose challenges, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: P/E ~15, target $220–$230, with growth potential, per web data.
- Bank of America Corporation (BAC):
  - YTD Gain: ~15%, per web data.
  - Price: ~$45 (from ~$39), Yield: 2.4%.
  - Why It Soared: Q4 2024 saw 15% revenue growth, 111% net income growth, and 44% investment banking fee surge, per web data. Trump’s pro-business policies fueled optimism, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: High rates (4.25–4.5%) boost margins, with domestic focus dodging tariffs, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: P/E ~11, target $50, with stable dividends, per web data.
- American Express Company (AXP):
  - YTD Gain: ~10% (estimated, based on financial services trends), per web data.
  - Price: ~$260 (from ~$237), Yield: 1.1%.
  - Why It Soared: Added 3M new card users/quarter in 2024, with 9% revenue growth, per web data. Wealthy customer exposure and OBBBA tax cuts drove gains, per web data.
  - Economic Fit: Premium customer base counters spending cuts, with U.S. focus mitigating tariffs, per prior analyses.
  - Outlook: P/E ~15, target $280–$300, with growth potential, per web data.
Investor Strategy:
- Why These Stocks Excelled:
  - Sector Resilience: Healthcare (CORT) and financials (BAC, AXP) thrived on recession resistance, while industrials (HEES) and tech (APP, NSIT) leveraged specific catalysts (buyouts, AI), per web data.
  - Trump Policy Tailwinds: OBBBA tax cuts ($1,700/family) boosted consumer spending (0.3–0.5%), aiding retail (WINA) and financials, while domestic focus (ROOT, VRRM) dodged tariffs, per prior analyses.
  - Market Dynamics: Defensive sectors (healthcare, financials) outperformed cyclicals (tech, consumer discretionary), with small-caps (WINA, VRRM) gaining from value-driven demand, per web data.
- Outlook for H2 2025:
  - Bullish Case: Federal Reserve rate cuts (1–3, targeting 3.50–3.75% by year-end, starting September) could lift small-caps (42% earnings growth forecast), benefiting WINA, VRRM, and NSIT, per web data. Trade resolutions (U.S.-China, EU) could ease tariff costs, supporting APP and NSIT, per web data.
  - Bearish Case: Tariff reinstatement (July 9, 125% China) could raise costs 10–20%, hitting tech (APP, NSIT) and consumer durables, per web data. A 60% recession risk and inflation (4–4.5%) may curb demand, impacting cyclical stocks, per prior analyses.
- Investment Approach:
  - Buy:
    - Corcept Therapeutics (CORT): Buy on dips near $40 for ~20% upside ($50–$55), leveraging drug trial momentum, but limit exposure due to volatility, per web data.
    - Root, Inc. (ROOT): Buy near $65 for $80–$90 target, driven by profitability, but monitor insurtech risks, per web data.
    - Winmark Corporation (WINA): Buy near $380 for $430–$450, a defensive retail play with stable dividends, per web data.
  - Hold:
    - H&E Equipment Services (HEES): Hold for buyout completion, with limited upside post-rally, per web data.
    - AppLovin Corporation (APP): Hold for AI ad growth, targeting $400, but monitor tariff-driven supply chain risks, per web data.
    - Bank of America (BAC): Hold for steady dividends and earnings growth, targeting $50, per web data.
  - ETFs:
    - iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM): 1.5% yield, up 9% in July 2024, for broad small-cap exposure, per web data.
    - SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI): For healthcare exposure, supporting CORT’s sector, per web data.
- Portfolio Allocation:
  - Allocate 5–10% to high-growth (CORT, ROOT) and defensive (WINA, BAC) stocks, balancing risk and income, per prior analyses.
  - Hedge with 3–5% in gold (GLD, +3%) or utilities (XLU, +1%) to counter tariff volatility and recession risks, per prior analyses.
- Investment Timing:
  - Buy on SPY dips near $490–$500 or Russell 2000 pullbacks to capitalize on value, per Trade That Swing.
  - Dollar-cost average to manage VIX spikes (~20–25), per Schwab.
- Key Catalysts to Monitor:
  - July 9 Tariff Deadline: Reinstatement of 125% China tariffs could disrupt tech (APP, NSIT) and retail, per web data.
  - U.S.-China/EU Trade Talks: Resolutions could lift markets 3–5%, easing cost pressures, per web data.
  - June 17–18 FOMC Meeting: Rate cut signals (25 bps in September) could boost small-caps, per X post (@grok).
  - Q2 Earnings (July 2025): Confirm 42% small-cap earnings growth, critical for WINA, VRRM, per web data.
  - OBBBA Senate Progress: Deficit concerns may push yields to 4.5–5%, impacting valuations, per prior analyses.
  - Consumer Spending Trends: 13% retail cuts and 50.8 sentiment gauge demand for WINA, per prior analyses.
- Risks:
  - Tariff Escalation: 125% China tariffs could raise costs 10–20%, hitting APP, NSIT, and consumer sectors, per J.P. Morgan.
  - Recession Risk: 60% probability may curb consumer demand, impacting WINA and consumer services, per prior analyses.
  - Inflation Surge: 4–4.5% inflation could delay Fed rate cuts, limiting small-cap upside, per web data.
  - Volatility from High Valuations: Post-rally peaks (e.g., CORT, HEES) risk pullbacks if catalysts fade, per web data.
  - Deficit-Driven Yields: OBBBA’s $3.2–$4.1T deficit could raise yields (4.5–5%), pressuring growth stocks, per web data.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on 2025’s High-Fliers:
- The top 10 stocks soaring in 2025—led by Corcept Therapeutics (+126.6%), H&E Equipment (+93.6%), and Root (+83.8%)—demonstrate resilience in a challenging market (SPY -15.6% YTD). Fueled by sector-specific catalysts (drug trials, buyouts, AI ads) and Trump’s OBBBA tax cuts, these stocks highlight healthcare, financials, and defensive retail as outperformers. However, tariff risks (July 9 deadline) and a 60% recession probability threaten H2 gains, requiring careful navigation. Investors should target undervalued opportunities (CORT, ROOT, WINA), hold buyout-driven stocks (HEES), and hedge with defensives (GLD, XLU) to balance risk and reward in a volatile economy.
Why It Matters: In 2025’s turbulent economy, marked by Trump’s tariffs, rising deficits, and recession fears, these top-performing stocks offer a beacon for investors. With small-caps poised for a potential rate-cut rally (42% earnings growth), strategic buys (CORT, WINA) and diversified ETFs (IWM) provide a path to capitalize on the year’s winners. GLHR Investing is your guide to navigating this high-stakes market, building wealth amid uncertainty with precision and foresight.